Saryeoni Forest Trail on a Rainy Day
On a morning of steady rain, I walked the Saryeoni Forest Trail (Bulgeunoreum entrance). Whenever I travel to Jeju, I always go to Saryeoni Forest to get some peace and energy. I love the trail early in the morning or on rainy days, because its distinctive atmosphere comes through even more.
Jeju is called the "island of three abundances" (stones, wind, and women) because of its strong winds and changeable weather, so be sure to bring a coat to keep warm and out of the wind, plus an umbrella and a raincoat. Imagine walking Saryeoni Forest on a drizzly morning in a raincoat. It could be one of your best Jeju memories.
Saryeoni Forest Trail, Jeju
A Bakery Café Near Saryeoni Forest
After about an hour in Saryeoni Forest, a thirst for something soft and sweet hit me. I couldn't hold out any longer. I wanted sweet cake and hot coffee, so I went to the bakery café Becassine.
Becassine is at the entrance of Ujin-oreum-gil, a 17-minute drive from Saryeoni Forest Trail (Bulgeunoreum entrance).
The Space: There's a parking area beside the shop for 4 to 5 cars. The café is smaller than I expected, with one large table that seats 8 and about three small tables for 2 to 4 people.
The Baked Goods
What catches your eye are the cakes, tarts, terrines, and other pastries. A quick look is enough to tell that a lot of care went into every cake. In front of such tempting pastries, a short gasp is followed by a dilemma: which should I eat? It isn't about making the best choice; it's about reducing my regret over the cakes I won't get to eat.
Pear tart
Real chocolate brownie
Almond bonbon cheesecake
Pear Tart: The one among my orders that matched my taste exactly. Almond cream and vanilla cognac add depth, and the glazed surface adds sweetness while keeping the pears from drying out. The layered pears were striking when I scooped them with a fork, and it wasn't very sweet, so I, who dislikes overly sweet things, enjoyed it a lot.
Real Chocolate Brownie: A fudgy brownie made with Belgian chocolate, with deep chocolate that fills your mouth in one bite. If you're a bread-and-chocolate lover, this is the best choice.
Almond Bonbon Cheesecake: A popular menu item made without gluten or wheat flour. It has a whole-wheat base, an amaretto flavor, and almond paste on top. Baskin-Robbins 31 already taught us that Almond Bonbon is always right.
The Coffee: You choose your beans and the coffee is served as drip. It was so smooth and good that it surprised me. Prices vary widely, so you have options, and even the basic beans taste excellent.
I was so happy with the cakes and coffee that I also ordered financiers, garlic financiers, scones, and canelés to take back to the lodging for the evening. Because of our schedule we ended up eating them around lunchtime the next day, and they were still so good.
A Kind Owner
Becassine feels like visiting a delicious, friendly neighborhood bakery. The quality and variety are impressive, but so is the friendliness. The owner took especially careful care of me, a customer with kids, and I remember that. Even while orders from 3 or 4 groups came in at once, they were friendly to every customer, which is reason enough to come back.
Essential Visitor Info
- 📍 Location: Entrance of Ujin-oreum-gil, Jeju; about a 17-minute drive from the Saryeoni Forest Trail (Bulgeunoreum entrance)
- 🅿️ Parking: Space for about 4 to 5 cars beside the shop
- 🪑 Seating: One large table for 8 and about 3 small tables for 2 to 4
- 🍰 Must-tries: Pear tart, real chocolate brownie, almond bonbon cheesecake
- ☕ Coffee: Choose your beans; served as drip coffee
Final Verdict
Walking Saryeoni Forest in the rain, then sitting down to cake and coffee, was the kind of day that makes a Jeju trip. Between the pastries, the coffee, and the owner's kindness, Becassine is a place I'd happily return to.
What's your pick: the pear tart, the brownie, or the almond cheesecake? Tell me in the comments!
